How the GCC Unified Visa Will Transform Tourism in the Gulf
In a landmark step towards regional integration and tourism development, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is preparing to introduce a unified tourist visa that will allow seamless travel across all six member states — United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain . This strategic initiative, announced by GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi , marks a significant shift in the Gulf’s approach to tourism, drawing comparisons with the European Union’s Schengen visa system. The visa is expected to launch soon as part of the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2023–2030 , a regional plan designed to boost tourism, simplify travel processes, and strengthen the Gulf’s position as a world-class travel destination. What Is the GCC Unified Tourist Visa? The GCC unified tourist visa will allow travelers to enter and move freely between all six Gulf countries using a single visa , eliminating the need for separate entry permits. This Schengen-style system is poised ...